Domestic airlines have resumed scheduled operations after aviation unions temporarily suspended their industrial action over a dispute concerning the remittance of the five per cent Ticket Sales Charge (TSC).
The unions had commenced the action on Tuesday, disrupting flight operations at major airports in Lagos and Abuja and leaving hundreds of passengers stranded.
Air Peace spokesperson, Osifo-Whiskey Efe, confirmed that the airline had returned to normal operations but said efforts were underway to clear the backlog created by the disruption.
The action affected access to terminals, including the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, forcing airlines to suspend or delay several flights.
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had appealed to the unions to call off the action and pursue dialogue to resolve the dispute.
In a statement, NCAA Director-General, Capt. Chris Ona Najomo, said Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister, Festus Keyamo, had been working to resolve the disagreement.
The authority disclosed that a meeting initiated by the minister the previous week could not take place because airline operators failed to attend.
The NCAA also assured travellers that the industrial dispute had not compromised aviation safety, stressing that it would continue to discharge its statutory safety oversight responsibilities.
The unions’ action was triggered by allegations concerning the non-remittance of the five per cent TSC by airline operators.
With the temporary suspension of the industrial action, airlines have resumed services, although passengers affected by the disruption may still experience delays as carriers work to clear accumulated flight backlogs.
Efforts are expected to continue between the unions, airlines and government authorities to reach a lasting resolution to the dispute.
